Deformable intraocular lens injecting apparatus with deformable tip plunger

ABSTRACT

A deformable intraocular lens injecting apparatus having a movable plunger with a deformable plunger tip, preferably a resiliently deformable plunger tip. In a preferred embodiment, the plunger tip is made of soft resiliently deformable material to prevent any surface or internal damage to the deformable intraocular lens being forced through a delivery passageway of the lens injecting apparatus.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application entitled"Transverse Hinged Deformable Intraocular Lens Injecting Apparatus",Ser. No. 08/547,908, filed Oct. 25, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,148;U.S. patent application entitled "Deformable Intraocular Lens InjectionSystem, and Method Thereof", Ser. No. 08/449,103, filed May 24, 1995,now pending; U.S. patent application entitled "Deformable IntraocularLens Injecting Device", Ser. No. 08/403,530, filed Mar. 14, 1995, nowpending; U.S. patent application entitled "Deformable Intraocular LensInsertion System", Ser. No. 08/401,523, filed Mar. 10, 1995, nowpending; U.S. patent application entitled "Deformable Intraocular LensInjection Systems And Methods Of Use Thereof", Ser. No. 08/368,792,filed Jan. 4, 1995, now pending; U.S. patent application entitled"Disposable Intraocular Lens Insertion System", Ser. No. 08/345,360,filed Nov. 18, 1994, now abandoned; U.S. patent application entitled"Deformable Intraocular Lens Cartridge", Ser. No. 08/197,604, filed Feb.17, 1994, now pending; U.S. patent application entitled "Hingeless LensCartridges For Insertion Of Intraocular Lenses", Ser. No. 08/196,855,filed Feb. 15, 1994, now pending; and U.S. patent application entitled"Intraocular Lens Insertion System", Ser. No. 07/953,251, filed Sep. 30,1992, now abandoned, all fully incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a lens injecting apparatusincluding a deformable tip plunger for implantation of a deformableintraocular lens into the eye.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Staar Surgical Company of Monrovia, Calif. produces deformableintraocular lens for implantation into the eye. These deformableintraocular lens are preferably implanted into the eye by use of a lensinjecting apparatus. The lens injecting apparatus currently in usecomprises two (2) separate components including 1) a lens injectingdevice including a cylindrical barrel having a lens cartridge receiverand a movable plunger disposed with the cylindrical barrel; and 2) alens cartridge including a lens holding portion connected to a nozzleportion.

The movable plunger of the lens injecting device includes a tip forforcing a deformable intraocular lens loaded into the lens cartridgethrough a delivery passageway extending through the lens cartridge andout of the tip of the nozzle portion of the lens cartridge. Thus, whenthe tip of the nozzle portion is inserted through a small size incisionmade in the eye, the deformable intraocular lens exits the tip of thenozzle portion into the eye.

The movable plunger of the lens injecting device is slidable through aninitial length of movement of the plunger, and then is threadedlyadvanced through a final length of movement of the plunger when forcingthe deformable intraocular lens through the delivery passageway of thelens cartridge.

The lens injecting device including the plunger is made of titanium,plastic or stainless steel and the lens cartridge is made of plastic.The metal tip of the plunger has a fixed configuration. Specifically,the tip has a faceted configuration including a concave gripping surfaceportion and other surface portions defining the fixed geometry of theplunger tip.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the present invention is to provide a deformableintraocular lens injecting apparatus having a plunger with a deformableplunger tip.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a deformableintraocular lens injecting apparatus having a plunger with acompressible tip with a resiliently deformable plunger tip.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a deformableintraocular lens injecting apparatus having an inwardly taperingdelivery passageway in the direction of insertion of the deformableintraocular lens and a plunger having a deformable plunger tipcooperating with the inwardly tapering passageway, and being compressedas advanced through the inwardly tapering passageway.

The present invention is directed to a lens injecting apparatus forimplantation of a deformable intraocular lens into the eye. The lensinjecting apparatus can have a one-piece construction (i.e., no lenscartridge) or can have a multi-piece construction including a separatelens injecting device having a lens cartridge receiver, and a separatelens cartridge.

The one-piece lens injecting apparatus includes a body portion having alens delivery passageway extending therethrough and a movable plunger.The plunger can be slidably disposed within the delivery passageway, orthe movement of the plunger can be limited such as by being threadedlyadvance through the delivery passageway. The one-piece lens injectingapparatus includes an opening or port for loading the deformableintraocular lens into the delivery passageway of the lens injectingapparatus.

The multi-piece lens injecting apparatus includes a separate lensinjecting device having a lens cartridge receiver and a separate lenscartridge. The lens injecting device includes a passageway foraccommodating a movable plunger. The passageway of the lens injectingdevice extends into a lens delivery passageway of the lens cartridgewhen the lens cartridge is loaded into the lens cartridge receiver ofthe lens injecting device.

The plunger used in the one-piece lens injecting apparatus or themulti-piece lens injecting apparatus is provided with a deformable tip.The deformable tip of the plunger is advantageous over a fixedconfiguration, since the deformable tip is made of deformable materialssuch as plastic, rubber, resin, foam, sponge, or other suitablematerial. These deformable materials are substantially softer materialscompared with the fixed configuration tip of a metal or hard plasticplunger. Thus, the deformable tip plunger according to the presentinvention is substantially less likely to damage deformable intraocularlens, in particular delicate and thin deformable intraocular contactlenses (ICLs).

The deformable tip plunger according to the present invention can bemade of a material having smaller dimensional size when dry andexpandable to a larger dimensional size upon absorption of water orother suitable chemical. This would allow the plunger tip to be easilyloaded and potentially stored in its smaller outer dimensional size, andthen expand to its larger outer dimensional size mode upon contact withwater or other suitable chemical (e.g. lubricating medium) at the timeof use. For example, in the case of a deformable foam plunger tipcontacting with water or balance salt solution during preparation of thelens injecting apparatus for use, the deformable foam plunger tipabsorbs and increases its size, thus ensuring a tight fit with the innerwalls of the cartridge delivery passageway. Further, the foam in thisexpanded condition is soft and highly pliable preventing any damage tothe deformable intraocular lens.

In addition, the deformable tip plunger according to the presentinvention prevents the deformable intraocular lens or portions of thedeformable intraocular lens, in particular the trailing haptic, frombeing caught between the plunger tip and inner wall of the deliverypassageway when the plunger tip is being advanced forcing the deformableintraocular lens through the delivery passageway. Specifically, thedeformable plunger tip can be sized to be slightly oversized compared tothe inner dimensions of the delivery passageway so that the plunger tipis under slight compression when positioned within the deliverypassageway. The radially outwardly directed compression force preventsthe deformable intraocular lens or portion of the deformable intraocularlens from inadvertently moving or being forced between the exteriorsurface of the plunger tip and the inner wall surface of the deliverypassageway.

In a preferred embodiment, the lens injecting apparatus is provided withan inwardly tapering delivery passageway in the direction of delivery ofthe deformable intraocular lens. Specifically, the cross-sectional sizedecreases in the direction of delivery to further fold, compress orotherwise reduce the cross-sectional size of the deformable intraocularlens as it is advanced through the delivery passageway. The deformableplunger tip according to the present invention is particularly suitablefor an inwardly tapering delivery passageway, since the deformableplunger tip can be further and further compressed and reduced in outerdimensions as it is advanced through the inwardly tapering deliverypassageway. This configuration allows the outer dimensions of thedeformable plunger tip of the lens injecting apparatus to be furtherreduced to allow this tip to be inserted through a smaller sizedincision in the eye.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred one-piece lens injectingapparatus with slidable cover for opening and closing the lens receiveropening, and having a deformable tip plunger according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lens injectingapparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another preferred embodiment of the one-piece lens injectingapparatus similar to the one shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, however, with noslidable cover.

FIG. 4 is a broken away detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view ofthe nozzle portion of the lens injecting apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and2.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a first preferred embodiment of a plungertip according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a second preferred embodiment of a plungertip according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of a third preferred embodiment of a plungertip according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a plungertip according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a detailed view of a fifth preferred embodiment of a plungertip according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a sixth preferred embodiment of a plungertip according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of a seventh preferred embodiment of aplunger tip according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a detailed view of an eighth preferred embodiment of aplunger tip according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a detailed view of a ninth preferred embodiment of a plungertip according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a detailed view of a tenth preferred embodiment of a plungertip according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a detailed view of an eleventh preferred embodiment of aplunger tip according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a detailed view of a twelfth preferred embodiment of aplunger tip according to the present invention.

FIG. 17A is a transverse cross-sectional view of a circular shapedplunger tip according to the present invention.

FIG. 17B is a transverse cross-sectional view of an oval shaped plungertip according to the present invention.

FIG. 17C is a transverse cross-sectional view of a triangular shapedplunger tip according to the present invention.

FIG. 17D is a transverse cross-sectional view of a square shaped plungertip according to the present invention.

FIG. 17E is a transverse cross-sectional view of a pentagonal shapedplunger tip according to the present invention.

FIG. 17F is a transverse cross-sectional view of a hexagonal shapedplunger tip according to the present invention.

FIG. 17G is a transverse cross-sectional view of an octagonal shapedplunger tip according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a preferred multi-piece lens injectingapparatus having a deformable tip plunger according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the preferred multi-piece lensinjecting apparatus shown in FIG. 17 having a deformable tip plungeraccording to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a further perspective view of the preferred multi-piece lensinjecting apparatus shown in FIG. 17 having a deformable tip plungeraccording to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the preferred multi-piece lensinjecting apparatus shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the preferredmulti-piece lens injecting apparatus shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of a lens cartridge showing theplunger tip according to the present invention entering one end of thedelivery passageway through the lens cartridge.

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of a lens cartridge showing theplunger tip according to the present invention inside the deliverypassageway through the lens cartridge in contact with a foldeddeformable intraocular lens.

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of a lens cartridge showing theplunger tip according to the present invention inside the deliverypassageway through the lens cartridge forcing the folded deformableintraocular lens from the nozzle tip of the lens cartridge.

FIG. 26 is a detailed side longitudinal cross-sectional view of thedeformable plunger tip of the multi-piece lens injecting apparatus shownin FIGS. 17-21, illustrating the connection between the deformableplunger tip and the end of the plunger.

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a lenscartridge illustrating the loading of the plunger tip into the deliverypassageway thereof.

FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of the lens cartridge shown in FIG.27, wherein the plunger tip has been advanced to the extent that thedeformable intraocular lens is exiting the tip of the nozzle portion ofthe lens cartridge.

FIG. 29 is a broken away longitudinal cross-sectional view of a furtherembodiments of a deformable intraocular lens injecting apparatuspartially disassembled, and including a transverse hinged lens cartridgein an opened condition for receiving a deformable intraocular lens.

FIG. 30 is a broken way longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lensinjecting apparatus shown in FIG. 29, however, with the lens cartridgeis a closed condition.

FIG. 31 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lens injectingapparatus shown in FIG. 30.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a lens injecting apparatus having aplunger with a deformable plunger tip. The deformable plunger tip allowsthe plunger tip to conform to the shape of the delivery passageway forthe deformable intraocular lens through the lens injecting apparatus, inparticular through an inwardly tapering passageway.

The deformable plunger tip is preferably resiliently deformable so thatthe deformable plunger tip can be deformed or compressed and then returnto its original shape once the deformation or compression forces areremoved. For example, the deformable plunger is made of elastomer (e.g.,silicone), deformable plastic, deformable thermoplastic, rubber, foam,sponge, COLLAMER made by STAAR Surgical, or other suitable resilientlydeformable material. A particularly suitable material for making thedeformable tip according to the present invention is a surgical spongematerial produced from cross-linked polyvinyl acetal (PVA) made byMEROCEL of Mistic, Conn. Further, when the resiliently deformableplunger tip is compressed, the plunger tip applies a wiping forcebetween the outer surface of the plunger tip and the inner surface ofthe delivery passageway through the lens injecting apparatus. In thismanner, a trailing haptic of the deformable intraocular lens cannot becaught between the plunger tip and delivery passageway when the plungertip is forcing the deformable intraocular lens through the deliverypassageway. When the deformable tip is made out of foam or spongymaterial, it can be smaller than the opening of the delivery passageway.When it comes into contact with water or balance salt solution, itexpands and fills up completely the dimensions of the passageway.

The deformable plunger tip is preferably made of a soft resilientlydeformable material to prevent any surface or internal damage to thedeformable intraocular lens when the deformable plunger tip is beingforced through the delivery passageway. For example, the deformableplunger tip can be made of essentially the same material as theparticular deformable intraocular lens (e.g. silicone and COLLAMER madeby STAAR Surgical Company).

The deformable plunger tip according to the present invention can beembodied in various lens injecting devices. For example, the presentinvention is applicable to a one-piece lens injecting device, which is asingle piece once assembled, or a multi-piece lens injecting apparatusincluding a separate lens injecting device having a lens cartridgereceiver, and a separate lens cartridge.

A preferred one-piece lens injecting apparatus 10 according to thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 1-4.

The one-piece lens injecting apparatus 10 comprises 1) a body portion 12having a lens receiver 14 for a deformable intraocular lens 15 and alens delivery passageway 16 extending therethrough; and 2) a plunger 18movably disposed within said body portion 12. The plunger 18 is providedwith a plunger grip 20 and a deformable plunger tip 22.

In the one-piece lens injecting apparatus 10, the body portion 12comprises a lens receiving portion 12a having a uniform cross-sectionalsized and shaped delivery passageway portion 16a leading into a nozzleportion 12b having an inwardly tapering passageway portion 16b. Theinner surfaces of the nozzle portion 16b defining the inwardly taperingdelivery passageway portion 16b can be contoured (e.g., provided withridges, grooves or other configuration) for folding and further foldingthe deformable intraocular lens 15 as it is forced through the inwardlytapering delivery passageway portion 16b by the deformable plunger tip22.

The one end of the lens receiving portion 12a accommodates the plunger18 to allow sliding movement of the plunger 18 inside the lens receivingportion 12a. Further, the nozzle portion 12b is provided with a nozzletip 24, accommodating the exit end of the delivery passageway 16.

In this embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the body portion 12 isprovided with a slidable collar 26, which opens and closes the lensreceiver 14 for loading or inspecting the deformable intraocular lens15. The body portion 12 is also provided with two sets of stops 28 and30 to limit movement of the slidable collar.

The deformable plunger tip 22 preferably has the same or similarcross-sectional size and shape as the delivery passageway 16. In a mostpreferred embodiment, the deformable plunger tip 22 is slightlyoversized compared with the inner dimensions of the delivery passagewayportion 16a so that the deformable plunger tip 22 is under a slightcompression to prevent a trailing haptic of the deformable intraocularlens 15 from moving in between the outer surface of the deformableplunger tip 22 and the inner surface of the delivery passageway portion16a. When the deformable plunger tip 22 reaches the inwardly taperingdelivery passageway portion 16b, the deformable plunger tip 22 isfurther and further compressed and its outer surface tapers inwardly andconforms to the inwardly tapering delivery passageway portion 16b, asshown in FIG. 4.

As the deformable plunger tip 22 is further compressed, the compressionstress at the interface between the outer surface of the deformableplunger tip 22 and inner surface of the delivery passageway portion 16bsignificantly increases making it more difficult for the trailing hapticof the deformable intraocular lens 15 from moving in between the outersurface of the deformable plunger tip 22 and the inner surface of thedelivery passageway portion 16a. This increased compression at theinterface between the outer surface of the deformable plunger tip 22 andthe inner surface of the delivery passageway portion 16b is necessary tocounteract the increasing compression stresses on the deformableintraocular lens causing the deformable intraocular lens to move towardsand seek any void space or weak wall surface inside the deliverypassageway (i.e., in particular, any space between the outer edge of thedeformable plunger tip 22 and the inner surface of the deliverypassageway portion 16b). Thus, the deformable intraocular lens 15 willcontinue to advance forward while being further compressed as it movestowards and exits the nozzle tip 24.

In a most preferred embodiment, the deformable plunger tip 22 also hasthe same cross-sectional shape (e.g., oval, round, curved, contoured,grooved) as the cross-sectional shape of the delivery passageway 16,again to prevent a trailing haptic of the deformable intraocular lens 15from moving in between the outer surface of the deformable plunger tip22 and the inner surface of the delivery passageway 16.

In another most preferred embodiment, the deformable plunger tip 22 ismade of an expandable material (e.g. foam). More specifically thedeformable plunger tip 22 is made of a material that expands within thedelivery passageway 16 upon contact with water or balanced salinesolution. This type of deformable plunger tip 22 is very soft and highlypliable preventing any damage to the deformable intraocular lens.Further, the expansion of the material prevents the trailing haptic fromgetting caught between the deformable plunger tip 22 and the inner wallof the delivery passageway 16.

In operation, the slidable collar 26 is slid to the left to open thelens receiver 14. The deformable intraocular lens 15 is then loaded in aflat configuration into the lens receiver 14 of the lens injectingapparatus 10. The slidable collar 26 in then slid to the right to closethe lens receiver 14. The user exerts a force on the grip 20 with his orher fingers or thumb causing the plunger 18 to slide forward intocontact with the deformable intraocular lens 15. The user continues toadvance the plunger 18 so that the deformable intraocular lens 15 ismoved through the delivery passageway portion 16a in a flat unstressedconfiguration and into the delivery passageway portion 16b to cause thelens to be folded and/or compressed.

The lens injecting apparatus is now loaded, and readied for lensinsertion. The user then inserts the tip of the nozzle tip 24 through asmall incision in the eye, and then advances the plunger 18 so that thedeformable intraocular lens 15 is folded or compressed as it passesthrough the inwardly tapering passageway portion 16b until it exits fromthe nozzle tip 24 inside the eye.

The lens injecting apparatus 10 can be preloaded,with the deformableintraocular lens 15 so that a user can slid the slidable collar to theleft to open the lens receiver 14' to inspect the deformable intraocularlens 15, and then slid to the right to close the lens receiver 14.

A further preferred embodiment of a one-piece lens injecting apparatus10', is shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the body portion 12' is notprovided with a slidable collar 26 as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1and 2. Instead, the lens receiver 14 is opened until the plunger tip 22'is advanced sufficiently forward to close off the opening into thedelivery passageway 16.

In operation, the deformable intraocular lens 15' is loaded in a flatconfiguration into the lens receiver 14' of the lens injecting apparatus10'. The user exerts a force on the grip 20' with his or her fingers orthumb causing the plunger 18' to slide forward into contact with thedeformable intraocular lens 15'. The user continues to advance theplunger 18' so that the deformable intraocular lens 15' is moved throughthe delivery passageway portion 16a' in a flat unstressed configuration.

The lens injecting apparatus is now loaded, and readied for lensinsertion. The user then inserts the tip of the nozzle tip 24' through asmall incision in the eye, and then advances the plunger 18' so that thedeformable intraocular lens 15' is folded or compressed as it passesthrough the inwardly tapering passageway portion 16b' until it exitsfrom the nozzle tip 24' inside the eye.

DEFORMABLE PLUNGER TIP DESIGNS

A variety of deformable plunger tips designs are shown in FIGS. 5-17.The plungers, 18 are shown as being made of plastic, however, theplungers 18 can be made of metal, ceramic or other suitable materialhaving sufficient structural strength and properties for properoperation thereof.

The deformable plunger tips can be made to be deformable by 1) using adeformable material, preferably a resiliently deformable material; 2)using a configuration that allows deformation (e.g. hollow tip); or 3)both methods of 1 & 2; and/or 4) using a foam or sponge material so thatthe plunger tip absorbs water and swells to a larger size, thus, theexpanded nature of the foam or sponge material is deformable. Thedeformable plunger tips are preferably made of resiliently deformablematerials, since these materials tend to have "soft" surface propertiesthat prevent damage to the deformable intraocular lenses duringdelivery.

In FIG. 5, the deformable plunger tip 22 is provided on an end of theplunger 18. More specifically, the deformable plunger tip 22 is providedwith a recess 22a for accommodating an end portion 18a having a reducedcross-sectional size compared with a main portion 18b of the plunger 18.The cross-sectional size of the recess 22a can be made slightly smallerthan the cross-sectional size of the end portion 18a of the plunger 18to provide an interference type fit. Alternatively, or in addition,adhesive, welding, or other type of bonding can be provided between thedeformable plunger tip 22 and plunger 18.

In FIG. 6, the deformable plunger tip 22 is provided with a protrusion22b received within a recess 18c in an end face of the plunger 18. Theouter dimensions of the protrusion 22b can be made to be slightly largerthan the inner dimensions of the recess 18c of the plunger 18 to providean interference fit. Alternatively, or in addition, adhesive, welding,or other type of bonding can be provided between the deformable plungertip 22 and plunger 18.

In FIG. 7, a substantial portion or the entire plunger 18 is coated withthe deformable plunger tip 22. For example, a silicone resin is moldedaround a more stiff plastic plunger 18.

In FIG. 8, the deformable plunger tip 22 is provided with a protrusion22c to provide a side clearance between the deformable plunger tip 22and the delivery passageway to accommodate a trailing haptic, inparticular the trailing haptic of a three (3) piece type deformableintraocular lens. The end face 22d contacts the optic of the deformableintraocular lens.

In FIG. 9, the plunger 18 is provided with a threaded or barbed endportion 18d to enhance gripping with the deformable plunger tip 22. Therecess 22e may also be threaded or barbed to further enhance gripping.

In FIG. 10, the deformable plunger tip 22 is provided with a convex tip22f.

In FIG. 11, the deformable plunger tip 22 is provided with a slotted tip22g to accommodate the trailing haptic of a plate type or three (3)piece type deformable intraocular lens.

In FIG. 12, the deformable plunger tip 22 is provided with a set ofwipers 22h to concentrate stress between the wipers and inner surface ofthe delivery passageway to prevent the trailing haptic of the deformableintraocular lens from getting caught in between the deformable plungertip 22 and the inner surface of the delivery passageway. Alternatively,a single wiper or additional wipers can be provided. In addition, theplunger 18 is provided with a barbed end 18e to enhance gripping.Further, a recess in the deformable plunger tip can be provided with aridge 22i to cooperated with the barbed end 18e to further enhancegripping.

In FIG. 13, a section of tubing 22j can be provided on the end of theplunger 18 to function as a deformable plunger tip 22. For example, asection of soft polyurethane or silicone tubing is suitable. The sectionof tubing 22j can be attached by stretching due to its elasticresiliency (i.e. stretched fit), and/or attached with adhesive orbonding. The inner passageway 22k in the tubing 22j can accommodate thetrailing haptic of the deformable intraocular lens. Further, theconfiguration of the section of tubing 22i having a void space insideprovided by the inner passageway 22k enhances the deformability of thedeformable plunger tip 22 (i.e., will deform inwardly with lesscompressive stress compared to solid type tip).

In FIG. 14, the deformable plunger tip 22 is provided with a void space221 to enhance the deformability of the deformable plunger tip. 22(i.e., will deform inwardly with less compressive stress compared tosolid type tip while still maintaining more resistance to compression atend face thereof). The void space 221 is shown as being round, however,other configurations such as rectangular, curved, multiple voids (e.g.,foam or sponge) can be substituted.

In FIG. 15, the deformable plunger tip 22 is provided with a concave endface 22m for capturing the trailing haptic of the deformable intraocularlens near the centerline of the delivery passageway, and maintaining thetrailing haptic away from the inner walls of the delivery passageway.

In FIG. 16, the deformable plunger tip 22 is provided with a scraper 22nfor capturing the trailing haptic of the deformable intraocular lensnear the centerline of the delivery passageway, and maintaining thetrailing haptic away from the inner walls of the delivery passageway.Further, the scraper can deform inwardly under compressive force andapply a scraping spring force against the inner wall of the deliverypassageway due to its cantilever configuration. The scraper 22n can havea cone shape, or be made of separate paddles.

In FIGS. 17A to 17B, various transverse cross-sectional shapes of thedeformable plunger tip are shown. The transverse cross-sectional shapeof the plunger tip can remain fixed throughout its length or itstransverse cross-sectional shape can vary along its length.

A deformable plunger tip 22o having a circular transversecross-sectional shape is shown in FIG. 17A. A deformable plunger tip 22phaving an oval transverse cross-sectional shape is shown in FIG. 17B. Adeformable plunger tip 22q having a triangular transversecross-sectional shape is shown in FIG. 17C. A deformable plunger tip 22rhaving a rectangular (e.g. square) transverse cross-sectional shape isshown in FIG. 17D. A deformable plunger tip 22s having a pentagonaltransverse cross-sectional shape is shown in FIG. 17E. A deformableplunger tip 22t having a hexagonal transverse cross-sectional shape isshown in FIG. 17F. A deformable plunger tip 22u having an octagonaltransverse cross-sectional shape is shown in FIG. 17G.

MULTI-PIECE LENS INJECTING APPARATUS

A multi-piece lens injecting apparatus 100 according to the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 18-26.

The multi-piece lens injecting apparatus 100 comprises a separate lensinjecting device 102 and a separate lens cartridge 104. The lensinjecting device 102 comprises a body portion 106 having a lenscartridge receiver 108 and an internally threaded end portion 110. Amovable plunger 112 is disposed within the body portion 106.

The movable plunger 112 is provided with a grip 114 having an externallythreaded portion 116 at one end, and a plunger tip 118 at an oppositeend (See FIG. 22) thereof. The plunger 112 is slidably disposed withinthe body portion 106. Specifically, the body portion 106 is providedwith an internally fitted guide 120, as shown in FIG. 22, for slidablysupporting the plunger 112 within the body portion 106. In operation,the plunger 112 is advanced by sliding the plunger within the bodyportion 106 an initial distance until the externally threaded portion116 of the grip 114 engages with the internally threaded portion 110 ofthe body portion 106. Then, the grip 114 is rotated to threadedlyadvance the plunger 112 in a very accurate and controlled manner througha final distance causing the deformable intraocular lens to move throughand out of the lens cartridge into the eye.

The plunger 112 is provided with a threaded extension 122 passingthrough a hole in the end face 124 of the externally threaded endportion 116 of the grip 114, as shown in FIG. 22. A nut 126 is locatedinside a passageway 128 of the grip 114 and fastened onto the threadedextension 122 to connect the grip 114 to the end of the plunger 112. Anend cap 130 is provided to seal the end of the passageway 128 in thegrip 114.

The lens cartridge receiver 108 of the body portion 106 is provided byan opening 132 in the side of the body portion 106. The opening 132 isdefined by a set of wider spaced apart parallel edges 132a, a set ofinwardly tapering edges 132b, a set of thinner spaced apart paralleledges 132c, and a stop edge 132d. The lens cartridge 104 is loaded inlens injecting device 102 through the opening 132 between the set ofwider spaced apart parallel edges 132a of the lens cartridge receiver108. Then the lens cartridge 104 is moved forward within the lenscartridge receiver 108.

The plunger tip 118 is made of a deformable material, preferable aresilient deformable material such as plastic, rubber, foam, sponge orother suitable material. The remaining parts of the lens injectingdevice can be made of structural grade plastic (e.g., polysulfone) ormetal (e.g., stainless steel or titanium) allowing autoclaving thereof.

The lens cartridge 104 is preferably made of plastic (e.g.,polypropylene, polysulfone, Neoflon, polyethylene and silicone), and hasa foldable design, as shown in FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 23, the lenscartridge 104 includes a lens holding portion 104a connected to a nozzleportion 104b having a nozzle tip 104c. A delivery passageway 134 extendsthroughout the length of the lens cartridge 104. The lens cartridgefurther includes a pair of extensions 136a and 136b for opening andclosing the lens cartridge 104. Further, the extensions 136a and 136bcooperate with the edges 132a, 132b and 132c of the opening 132 of thelens cartridge receiver 108.

In operation, the lens cartridge 104 is loaded with a deformableintraocular lens and a viscoelastic lubricant. The lens cartridge 104 isthen loaded into the lens cartridge receiver 108 of the lens injectingdevice 102. Specifically, the lens cartridge is inserted through theopening 132 of the lens cartridge receiver 108 and then moved forward sothat the extensions are squeezed together by the set of inwardlytapering edges 132b and the set of thinner parallel set apart edges 132cuntil the extensions reach the edge stop 132d.

The plunger 132 is then advanced forward so that the deformable plungertip 118 enters one end of the delivery passageway 134, as shown in FIG.23. The plunger tip 118 is further advanced into contact with thedeformable intraocular lens 138 to begin the forcing and advancing ofthe deformable intraocular lens through the delivery passageway 134. Thedeformable plunger tip 118 begins to deform inwardly when entering theinwardly tapering portion of the delivery passageway 134 located in thenozzle tip 104c. Final advancement of the plunger tip 118 causes thedeformable intraocular lens 138 to exit the nozzle tip 104c.

Another embodiment of the lens cartridge 104' is shown in FIGS. 27 and28. The deformable intraocular lens is loaded into the deliverypassageway 134' of the lens cartridge 104' with the trailing haptic 138aof the deformable intraocular lens 138 extending from the deliverypassageway 134'. The deformable plunger tip 118 is pushed into the endof the delivery passageway 134' in a manner so that the trailing haptic138a is not caught between the deformable plunger tip 118 and inner wallof the delivery passageway 134'. For example, the trailing haptic 138ais gently contacted by the end face of the deformable plunger tip 118and manipulated (e.g. teased) therewith until the trailing haptic 138ais fully contained in the delivery passageway 134' before the deformableplunger tip 108 is forced into the end of the delivery passageway 134'to make contact with the optic portion of the deformable intraocularlens.

A further embodiment of a deformable intraocular lens injectingapparatus 200 is shown in FIGS. 29-31. The lens injecting apparatus 200comprises three (3) separate components including 1) a lens injectingdevice 202 containing a slidable plunger 204 and a lens cartridgereceiver 206; 2) a transverse hinged lens cartridge 208 having an upperportion 210 and a lower portion 212 connected together by a transversehinge 214; and 3) a nozzle portion 216.

The plunger 202 is provided with a deformable plunger tip 218 forcooperating with an inwardly tapering delivery passageway 220 extendingthrough the lens cartridge 208 and nozzle portion 216.

We claim:
 1. A deformable intraocular lens injecting apparatus forimplanting a deformable intraocular lens in an eye, comprising:a bodyportion having a lens delivery passageway; a movable plunger disposedwithin said body portion, said movable plunger including a deformabletip configured for advancing through the lens delivery passageway andforcing a deformable intraocular lens loaded in the lens injectingapparatus through the lens delivery passageway into the eye, saiddeformable tip being made of an expandable material that can absorbliquid and swell.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saiddeformable tip is made of one selected from the group or plastic,rubber, foam and sponge.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 2, whereinat least a portion of said plunger is made of deformable material toprovide a deformable tip.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, whereinsaid deformable tip is a separate piece connected to said plunger.
 5. Anapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said deformable tip is formed onsaid plunger.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said lensdelivery passageway is an inwardly tapering delivery passageway in adirection of lens delivery.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said plunger tip is configured so as to be at least partiallycompressed when positioned in said delivery passageway.
 8. An apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said deformable plunger tip has a flat endface.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said deformableplunger tip has a faceted tip configuration.
 10. An apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein said deformable plunger tip is made of a resilientlydeformable material.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein theresiliently deformable material has a relatively soft material hardness.